Authorities in Monterey County reported on Sunday that two individuals claimed to have seen a possible shark prior to the disappearance of a swimmer off the coast of Pacific Grove earlier that day. The incident unfolded just after noon when a full-scale water rescue effort was launched for a 55-year-old woman who had been swimming near Lovers Point. Various agencies, including the Pacific Grove Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Monterey Fire Department, and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, collaborated in the search using boats, drones, and a helicopter.
The city of Pacific Grove decided to close all beaches within a mile of Lovers Point following unconfirmed reports of a shark sighting, citing an “unconfirmed shark incident” on social media. Witnesses indicated that the swimmer could have encountered a shark while offshore. According to Pacific Grove Police Commander Brian Anderson, one witness noted a “large splash” that raised concerns among the swimmer’s group, prompting them to return to shore. Upon doing so, they realized that she was missing.
Petty Officer Christopher Sappey from the U.S. Coast Guard described a harrowing account from one eyewitness, who reported seeing a shark breach the surface of the water, seemingly with a human body in its mouth, before disappearing below the waves. However, Sappey emphasized that there is currently no evidence linking the missing swimmer to a shark attack. “I can confirm that there was a reported sighting in the area; however, we cannot necessarily correlate this sighting with the missing person as there is no confirming evidence of that,” he stated.
The Coast Guard planned to continue their search into the evening but would pause operations until morning. A small boat crew from Station Monterey and multiple helicopter units from Air Station San Francisco were actively searching the area. Rescue efforts are set to resume on Monday with the involvement of the Pacific Grove Police Department, Monterey Fire Department, and Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.
As a precautionary measure, Lovers Point Beach, along with McAbee and San Carlos Beaches in Monterey, will remain closed through Tuesday. Additionally, a beach advisory will be maintained for Asilomar State Beach, Monterey Municipal Beach, Del Monte Beach, and Monterey State Beach during this period. The community remains hopeful for the safe return of the missing swimmer as authorities diligently continue their search efforts.